Protesters at CUHK urge protection of free speech

Joseph Sung says he has learnt to be patient and inclusive. Photo: RTHK

Some Chinese University students on Thursday held a protest during their graduation ceremony, demanding that freedom of speech on the campus be protected.

The university was accused of suppressing freedom of expression after it removed banners that called for Hong Kong’s independence from the campus at the start of the academic year.

The students held placards that said "No" and "Don't Silent Me" when they were presented for the conferment of their degrees.

Addressing the graduates for the last time, the university's outgoing vice-chancellor Joseph Sung said the institution had gone through different challenges since he took office in 2010, from the reform of the academic structure, to campus disputes and social unrest.

Professor Sung said he had learnt to be patient and inclusive during his tenure, noting that his decisions could not please everyone.